Mexrrissey, led by Camilo Lara (in hat), covers Morrissey songs in Spanish with Mexican flourishes. Photo: Roger Alcaron
The Smiths and their lead singer, Morrissey, have long had a passionate following, but few are as gonzo as their fans in Mexico and in Southern California’s Mexican-American community.
Now comes Mexrrissey, a cover band with a twist: These guys do Morrissey songs in Spanish and with arrangements drawing from traditional Mexican sounds. So on “No Manchester,” their debut album released earlier this year, Morrissey’s “Everyday Is Like Sunday” becomes “Cada Día es Domingo,” and his “Suedehead” is “Estuvo Bien.”

“I tried to reinvent the songs as if Morrissey lived in Mexico City,” says Camilo Lara, the force behind Mexrrissey who lives in the Mexican capital. “I use all the street rhythms Mexico has.”Modal Trigger